Holy CRAP. time is zooming. I've been home for months now.... MONTHS!!! I remember when i was home for two weeks and freaking out. Anyways, I thought I would take the time to use up this space. I think I'm going to dedicate this thing to old mission stories.... because... I can. hahaha
But in all seriousness, whether you're deciding to serve a mission or not, I want this to be a place where people feel inspired and uplifted. Even if that just means making you laugh.
I think I may just post common Q&A's for sister missionaries since I don't feel like there is enough of that. .. or advice for RMs? psh.. who am I kidding, I need advice myself. And I don't make any promises that this will be a constant thing because let's be honest, I can be forgetful at times. But I will do my best!
Well those of you who are reading this, I'm sorry It's not that entertaining . But I love you! And as soon as I come up with something meaningful to say, I'll let you know! or if you have any questions, let me know ! I would LOVE to help out in any way that I can! <3
1/25/16
Well it actually happened. My mission in Southern Texas came and went. Just like that. It's crazy to me to know that such a significant part of my life has ended. And I know " it's only the beginning" but when something that truly does shape you permanantley ends, it's kinda a rough reality you're forced to face. So that's where I'm at. An awkward transition from dedicating 100% of my time to others to being thrown into school and dating and Crap the next week. Haha
Suddenly I have people asking me about MY plans MY goals MY relationships. Man. It all just seems very frivolous right now. And yet it's so important. Haha. Life is so funny. But I will never be able to forget my time in Southern Texas for as long as I live. And even after I leave this earth. God is all powerful. Almighty . and he is our Heavenly Father. Wow. I am SO BLESSED to have this special knowledge and testimony that He has given me. I love this gospel and I love you. Thanks for letting me do a sad rant for a bit.
4/20/15
some random thoughts and insights I had while I was sick in McAllen.
".... it all just depends how how soon you want to feel better."
what kind of phrase is that? how dumb. OF COURSE I wanted more than anything to be liberated from this excruciating pain I've been in for many days. ( felt like an eternity )
but this option, a quick shot in the arm, was a perilyzing fear I've had for a long time ( you already know)
" you will still have the same prescription , it all just depends on how soon you want to feel better."
I could just hear my parents in the back of my mind saying, " just take the shot. it'll be over soon. "
But the thought of the initial pain and fear were , for some reason, overpowering.
with tears in my eyes, I say: " you know... I kinda have a big fear of needles. .. uh. I'll think I'll pass. thank you. "
" Alright, no need to say more. " and it was over. He left, and suddenly I was painfully aware of the reality of my condition. I should have just sucked it up and dealt with it. But my time had passed along with my opportunity for relief.
How often do we allow these situations of spiritual relief pass us by? how often do we let our fear and doubts and pains overpower our own spiritual needs of progression?
I'll be the first to admit that I've let this situations replay far too many times in my own life. how is it that the solution to all spiritual ills is so hard to reach? truth be told, it's not. well not REALLY. For many , the hardest part is recognizing the dire situation we are currently in, confronting it, and making that decision to change.
The medicine and prescription don't necessarily change .
Apply the Atonement daily. Repent and Repeat.
The catalyst is our own agency. I know that if my parents could sign a waiver for me to get a shot, they would. ( and they have before haha ) but the whole deal with our life here on earth is to have our ability to choose. I'm pretty sure that our Heavenly Father has seen us at our worst and lowest points in life. He has seen us struggle with afflictions and temptations of every kind ( see Is 53 ) And for those of us who know ( i.e. you have/ had a testimony because you've used it before) of the healing power of the Atonement and KNOWINGLY choose not to take the first immediate step of action ,I have one question: why? why not confess? " well you see, I've had this whole fear of talking to my bishop about problems my whole life. "
why not give it up? " that immediate pain/reaction is going to hurt so bad! "
" I just can't " or " I'll do it later" ( see parable of 10 virgins - the Lord is closing His door )
I've had to learn the long hard and slow way how silly my decision was. and I've learned the long hard and slow way how being my own self inhibitor of receiving the full blessings of the Atonement is just silly. why not start feeling better now? why trudge along feeling guilty or sad any longer?
" it all really just depends on how soon you want to feel better."
easier said than done , huh?
it takes PRAYER- courage over your fear
it takes FASTING- faith over your doubt
it takes STUDYING (doctrine) - knowledge over ignorant "bliss"
Unlike the sketchy urgent care officials, I have full confidence in our Heavenly Father and His plan for each and every one of us. This "plan" includes doing what it takes to return to live with him. and because of Him, we can do all things. It is through His son Jesus Christ, that it is all possible. #BecauseofHim
Let us bring on the miracles! Let us change. Let us BE the miracle, through Jesus Christ.
( see alma 7:12 , 1 nefi 1:20 jacob 4:7)
4/7/14
Right now, I'm in like an awkward stage of my life. I have a call from The Lord and yet I can't focus on it. School keeps getting in the way! Sometimes I even forget I have a call! I just want to get going.
It's times like these when I reread my call and Patriarchal Blessing ( provides inspired direction from the Lord. Patriarchal blessings include a declaration of a person's lineage in the house of Israel and contain personal counsel from the Lord. As a person studies his or her patriarchal blessing and follows the counsel it contains, it will provide guidance, comfort, and protection. ) .
And I also tend to go onto my "Missionary Portal" that tells me the weather and conditions of McAllen Texas, info about my mission President and his wife, AND HOW MANY DAYS LEFT UNTIL I REPORT!!
isn't that crazy?! That's Crazy. ahh! I'M SO EXCITED!
Another weird thing that just recently started happening : Nervousness. I have never been the type of person to be incapable of talking about my beliefs to random strangers. But recently, I've been scared. It's hard to have people say such horrible things about something that brings you so much personal "Light" and comfort. Something you KNOW to be true.
I hope this is jut a phase and I can get back to my old self when I leave.
Pros:
My Spanish has improved like CRAZY! (blessings)
I have grown so much closer to God.
I've been able to share my story with so many people!
I now have a bucket-list (pre-mission)
I'M HAPPY. TRULY AND SINCERELY HAPPY.
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3/2/14
So my mission call came. It came on the same day of the Gilbert Temple Cultural Celebration! All of my siblings were participating in it. So I held it while watching them perform on TV in the crazy storm and by the time it was over, I had waited 8 hours to open it. Everyone placed their guesses while my siblings got out of their soaking wet clothes and into warm PJ's. I tried to wait as long as I could to open it so that more of my friends could watch me open it. BUT my family was beat and exhausted so I opened it like 10 minutes earlier than I said... so I'm sorry. #sorrynotsorry
So where are you going?!! Get on with it!!
I have been called to share the Gospel with the people of McAllen , Texas reporting on June 18th, 2014!! Oh yeah .. and I'm going to the Mexico MTC cuz I'm SPEAKING SPANISH YA'LL!!!!
McAllen, is kinda RIGHT next to the Mexican border. My dad said to not expect to see any white people while I'm there. ( I love Mexico, so this is prefect. (: ) DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?!! I will FINALLY be forced to use my Spanish. Holla!
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| You know what they say... Everything's bigger/better in Texas! |
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3/1/14
well I'm home in AZ now after some very stressing travels. and my call has still not come. that's right. I bought a plane ticket home in confidence that my call would get here on Friday . It is now Saturday. HOPEFULLY my call comes today. if not, it's no big deal. because is HAS TO come eventually! I'm just an impatient person I guess. So I'm typing this in my dining room , facing a window that gives me a perfect view of the mailbox. I am very prepared to be the first to see whether or not my call gets here today. Today is my last hope. I leave on a plane tomorrow. *fingers crossed* it gets here!!
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2/21/14
So My Mission call was assigned today... NBD..
This time next week , I'll be home for some of the best events of the decade.
1. My mission call joining (duh)
2. The Gilbert Cultural Celebration ( all of my siblings are participating)
3. The Gilbert Temple Dedication
Can this get any better?! :) mwah! I love life! :3
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2/18/14
GUESS WHAT?!!! GUUUUEEEESSSSS WWWHHHHHAAAATTTT?!!!!!
My call is "ready for assignment" Wait.. what was that?
My call is freaking "READY FOR ASSIGNEMENT" !!
Do you know what this means?! This means that my call ,and the location of where I am to dedicated the next 18 months of my life, will be assigned to ME and sent to my house Any. Day. Now.
To say I'm excited, is a dramatic understatement. In fact, I may be a little insane..
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| Text from my bishop that started it all |
People ask me everyday : " you do know a mission is hard work, right?"
To be honest, that's all I thought it was. BOTH of my parents were visited by missionaries a lot like me. And BOTH of them decided that what they were saying is true. And they BOTH decided they would dedicated time out of their busy lives to serve the Lord as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
From the stories they have told me and my siblings, I can assure you that I KNOW a mission is difficult. It may not be a piece of cake, but it is a slice of humble- pie. ;) Imagine what my life would have been like if missionaries thought it was too difficult or if they gave up?! Read this carefully: I would not be here today.
I can make that difference in somebody's life. Imagine! Imagine a world where everyone knew of a loving Heavenly Father. A world where they came to understand the sacrifice and atonement of Jesus Christ. A world where the peace that only can be felt by the power of the Holy Ghost, was constantly present.
It may seem a bit weird and crazy to some that I would voluntarily do this. But it is my most pressing desire. I know I may not have been the best missionary during high school and it kills me everyday. I want to be an example to others so that they may know what TRUE happiness is. A truth that brings ETERNAL families. A plan designed just for you. Aw man... it give me chills every time I talk about it. I am about to know and come to love the people in which I am serving. Life is always full of surprises. Good and bad. But I assure you that this envelope will include one of the best surprises of my life.
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| Stake Pres. Interview? Check. |
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So I Finlay did it! I submitted my papers to my bishop last Sunday! DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS?!!
It means that I only have three things to do:
- Finish up some Pre-mission Interviews
- WAIT ( the most difficult part of mission-prep)
- Fly home (to AZ) and open my call.
This call will contain the area in which I will be called to serve for a period of 18 months! This white envelope holds my DESTINY! A little dramatic? Maybe.. but COME. ONNN. For all I know, I could be sent to serve in Africa and have to learn French! But no matter where I go, I know that is where I will be needed the most.
My job is to teach of Christ. How AWESOME is THAT?! My job is to give others hope of a brighter life. To teach them so that they will one day know that there is a Heaven. There is a God. There is a
PLAN. And that plan was made for you. It' s the Ultimate plan of happiness!
How many people in the world don't even know that there is a God? How many people have never heard of Jesus Christ? How many people don't know that there is a loving Heavenly Father up there just waiting to help them if they would only come to Him?
That's my job.
My job is to teach of Christ. To testify of what I know to be true. I know it. I wouldn't be here or even be there person I am today without the knowledge I have. Why not share it? Why not give others a cause to rejoice?! Why not commit myself to a truly selfless act for just a short period of 18 very short months?
I know it will probably be the MOST difficult time in my life so far, but hey, BRING IT. I am SO ready. I am so ready for my life to finally begin. I pray for the people I will be blessed too serve. And I am so incredibly blessed to have amazing family and friends who support me in everything I want to do in life. Everyone deserves the life I have been blessed with. And I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do that. ahh!!
So where do you think I'll go? I'm thinking Idaho :P
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